Canton Kitchen @ Sunway Velocity

My spouse had dined in this place before at another branch with his colleagues and since he found the food to be alright, he suggested we have dinner there one evening.  I wanted to try Canton Kitchen @ Sunway Velocity when I read about it on mimi's dining room back in 2017 (ya, I know, that's quite a while back but I never gotten round to it until now).

The restaurant (founded in 1988) hails from Bukit Tinggi in Pahang and specialises in Bentong ginger cuisine and hand-planted vegetables (which you can purchase at the restaurant as well).  The restaurant was running full when we were there for dinner over the weekend but our wait for a table took no more than 5 minutes and food arrived pretty fast too (photo was taken on another day when it was not so hectic).  

Being a ginger specialist, you're bound to find lots of steam fish with ginger paste on the menu with choices of tapah, tilapia, garoupa and patin (of course other styles are also available like sweet & sour, curry and deep-fried).

We started with the Stir-Fried Crispy Pork Belly @ RM22.90 (for small, RM45.80 big) with onions in a savoury-sticky-sweet sauce and some shredded purple cabbage and carrot on the side.  The thinly sliced pork belly was fried till lightly crisp and the sauce was on the sweet side.  There were as much onions as there were pork belly. :P

The Fried Prawn with Salted Egg Yolk @ RM28.90 (for small, RM57.80 big, there's also a version with squid) besides boasting of a robust salted egg yolk flavour, with fragrant undertones from the fried curry leaves, also had a lot of inherent sweetness in it.  The prawns, though few in numbers, were of a decent size...and were tasty enough, just wished the sauce wasn't as sweet.

Next, we ordered the Thai-Style Fried Fish Cake @ RM16.90 served with a fiery minced bird's eye chilli dip. You can probably skip this and order it at a proper Thai restaurant instead for a better rendition.

We also had their Signature Homemade Beancurd @ RM18.90 (for small, RM37.80 big) that featured a piece of fried taufu topped with chopped long beans and salted pickled radish.  Loved the silky-smooth fried taufu but the soy sauce underneath was too salty for my taste buds.  It could do without another dimension of saltiness because of the presence of the salted pickled radish already.

The fragrant, crunchy French Beans with Dried Shrimps @ RM15.90 (for small, RM31.80 big) is a vegetable dish we have loved since Esquire Kitchen and Din Tai Fung days though the one by Esquire Kitchen is made with minced pork and cha choy for a tastier result.

Rice is reasonably priced at RM2 a bowl (I have to say the blue serving plates and bowls are rather lovely).

I had the zesty Ambarella Juice with Sour Plum @ RM7.90 but there are plenty of hot teas to choose from to sooth your body from Chinese teas to flower teas, kumquat to lemongrass, Bentong ginger to herbal teas.  Water is chargeable at RM1 a glass.

My Personal Opinion

Many view the prices here as on the pricey side and I can certainly relate to that coz they come in really small portions.  I think one person (with an average appetite) can easily handle two dishes, so you'll need to allocate at least two dishes per person when having a meal here.

But if price is an issue, there are plenty of other cheaper options such as their signature set meals at around RM25 per set which comes with a main, 3 side dishes, soup and rice.  Otherwise be prepared to spend in the region of RM50 per person if you go a la carte.

Some of the dishes I've tried seems to have either too salty or too sweet nuances, perhaps a bit too one-dimensional (but those liking robust flavours will find them suitable to their palate).

The food is decent enough to warrant a revisit at times when I want to eat something different from our usual haunts but probably won't go actively seeking it and make it a regular haunt.

I know, I know...I should have tried some of their dishes with Bentong ginger (like their best seller, Mihun with Ginger Wine Chicken, or at least a steam fish dish with ginger).  After all, it's their speciality but since my family dislikes (bordering on hate) ginger, rice wine and steam fish...no chance.  If I want to eat this, I need to come here with a ginger and rice wine kaki...kekeke! ^_~

Canton Kitchen
2-04 & 2-05 2nd Floor
Sunway Velocity Mall

Lingkaran SV Sunway Velocity

55100 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: 03-2712 3066

Grandmother Chicken Rice @ Pandan Jaya

Farewell 2018, Hello 2019!...and a happy new year to everyone!  So, how was your Christmas celebrations and year end festivities?  Did you partake in the must-have traditional turkey? ;)

We did...at our usual venue...and, for some reason, I was just focussed on eating turkey this year with roasted potatoes and vegetables, served with brown jus and cranberry sauce, that I pretty much ignored the rest of the buffet.  Ok, ok, I did have a bit of something else...like roast beef with mushroom sauce and sauteed onions, baked fish with pineapples in citrus sauce, fried spaghetti with sauteed mushrooms, onions & herbs, stir-fry black pepper beef, mushroom soup...I think that was about it.

But each time I got to the turkey, it was already cut up (they went through quite a few that day) until I got lucky and found an intact turkey to photograph....kekeke! :D

Now, back to another kind of fowl!  I was alerted to this place near me, Grandmother Chicken Rice @ Pandan Jaya, after reading about it from a blog I stalk (!)...hehe, I'm a stalker.

Now I don't usually get the chance to visit poached chicken rice specialists as my family isn't keen on poached chicken.  The only reason I could visit this one was because I was alerted to the fact that there's curry mee on the menu too.

Looking at the menu, I was happy to see they had lots more to offer besides poached chicken.   They have other roasted meats (char siew, siew yuk, duck & roast chicken), Ipoh chicken sar hor fun, Penang prawn mee, fish ball soup and vegetables like bean sprouts and spicy & sour vegetable.

We wanted siew yuk rice but it wasn't available yet when we were there, so we had the Char Siew Rice @ RM7 instead.  The char siew was tender but I won't go as far to say it had a melt-in-the-mouth texture.  It also had less of that caramelised outer layer except for the edges...and the sauce didn't impress.

The rice, however, I loved as it had a good dose of chicken flavour in it.  As for the dips consisting of fresh chillies and ginger paste, I can't quite remember what it tasted like (at the point of writing since this was eaten last year).  Well, if they weren't memorable (though I do remember the chilli condiment tasted better than the ginger paste), it could only mean they weren't particularly outstanding. ^_~

The soup, I remember, had a distinct taste of peanuts in it (something like lotus root & peanut soup).  It was subtle and nice.

Now this was the reason why I could visit this chicken rice shop as I wanted to try the Chicken Curry Mee @ RM6.80 (and my husband can have it too since he's not into poached chicken).

The bowl was filled with poached chicken (of course), beancurd puffs, taugeh (beansprouts) and a generous amount of, albeit slightly smallish, sihum (cockles).  I guess I should have made a specific request for the cut of chicken I wanted and was unlucky to get some bony parts of the wing.  The chicken was not particularly wat like some of the smooth poached chicken I've eaten in some curry mee.

But the most disappointing aspect was the broth....look at how watery it is (and the sambal didn't help either).  And to add to that, it was devoid of santan flavour...or any flavour for that matter. >_<

Of course one can't leave this place without trying the Kampong Chicken Rice @ RM8 (if I remember correctly, prices differ depending on the part you choose).  After all, this is their speciality...grandmother's chicken rice (and we can't argue with grandmother, can we?).

The poached chicken ultimately impressed.  It's the single best item I've eaten here.  The chicken was irreproachably tender with a good flavour in the meat but probably not as smooth as some wat kai because of how lean the meat is.  Even the skin is devoid of fat and (for once) I didn't have to discard it (I could actually eat it...and enjoy it) ^o^  If you like chicken without any fat, then the one here is perfect for you.

I've been back numerous times to tapau the poached chicken rice....sometimes with an added 'sidekick' of chicken liver @ RM8.30...hehe! ;)

Noticing that the Iced White Coffee came without much foam on the top, I wasn't expecting it to be any good.  It tasted somewhat diluted...and it's the packet-kind (although I've drank some prepackaged ones that were really good).

My Personal Opinion

I'm afraid Sean was right...the curry mee here wouldn't rank among my top favourites...heck, it wouldn't even rank among my lesser favourites....wuahahahaha! :P

Since neither the char siew nor the curry mee impressed, my husband will be reluctant to make a second trip here.  But the chicken rice definitely deserves a revisit (listen to grandmother, she's always right!).  I guess I'll have to tapau this chicken rice then (which I've done). 

Grandmother Chicken Rice
No 22-G Jalan Pandan 3/2
Pandan Jaya
55100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 010-266 9668

Steaks & Lobsters @ Desa Sri Hartamas

Prices of steaks have been on the up and up that affordable (but good) steaks are increasingly difficult to find these days.  So much so that when I'm finally confronted with affordably-priced steaks, I second-guess myself if it's any good.  Of course, the safest bet is to go for wagyu beef but we all know how expensive those can be...haiz! :'(

But if there's a place where I remember having a positive dining experience of affordable (yet good) steaks and good (but not so affordable) lobsters, that would be Steaks & Lobsters @ Desa Sri Hartamas (you can check out my previous posts here and here).  So, another visit was due.  Parking in this area is quite nightmarish and you'd be pleased to know that they now offer free valet services if you dine here.

Well, it's pretty obvious from the name of the place as to what their main specialities here are.  The first difference I noticed was the tank that used to be filled with live lobsters was empty (perhaps the 'stock' was waiting to be replenished) or they don't keep so much live 'stock' these days.

After orders were made, we were served complimentary soft and fluffy bread rolls with house-made cinnamon butter.  Not a big fan of this sweet-flavoured butter which tasted sweet, almost like a kaya, would have preferred just a good, plain butter.

We began our meal with one of our favourite starters of Roasted Garlic Escargots @ RM21 (maybe not the best choice if you're on a date!).  The half dozen baked garden snails immersed in a garlic concasse coulis came with slices of toasted baguette that is the perfect 'vehicle' to mop up the sauce.

I have to say the escargots were a pretty good size, way bigger than most of the ones I've had.  The sauce, on the other hand, wasn't quite garlicky enough for us...it was more creamy and buttery than garlicky.

We decided to go with one of their chef recommended dish of Signature Olio Asari Clams @ RM18 as our next starter as I love clams (+ I've already tried most of their other chef recommended starters).

The asari clams could have been fresher (and presentation better) as there were quite a few with broken shells but the well cooked sauce of garlic and chillies in a seafood broth was very savoury to dip the overly generous slices of toasted baguette in.

The Grain-Fed Ribeye (250g) @ RM79 was my option for the main as my initial pick of Pinnacle Grass-Fed Ribeye (MB 2+) @ RM99 wasn't available that day.

The steak came with sides of soft-sweet roasted pumpkin, onion that was soft and well-charred to bring out its sweetness, slightly spiced and juicy sweetcorn with chilli flecks and fluffy-on-the-inside steak fries that were freshly fried with a nice crisp exterior.

The last time we were here, our wagyu steak was served with a very tasty black pepper sauce (not that it needed any) but we still asked for seconds to dip our fries in.  This time, I noticed that we got a different sauce...it tasted like a mushroom sauce but without the intense and earthy taste of mushrooms (which I would have liked) but a strong taste of probably cream and butter (which I didn't like as much).  I'm not sure if this is now the default sauce (or the black pepper sauce is still an option) as we weren't asked what sauce we wanted.

I was a little disappointed when the ribeye first arrived lacking the looks of that wonderful charring that I adore.  Having said that, my medium-rare ribeye was very tender to the bite with a decent flavour (no complaints on that based on the price).  Anyway, we can't compare this to wagyu beef which is more flavourful...and also more expensive (there were even premium ones offered at close to RM400!).  Of course I would have preferred wagyu (but a more affordable 250g wagyu ribeye MB-7 now costs RM229!)...a 300g piece once cost RM198 (RM150 during promotion) when we had it last.

A server did come by to ask how the steak was and I did mention to him that it was a little fattier than I would have liked.  I think he was a little inexperienced when it comes to customer service by underestimating a customer's knowledge about steaks when he proceeded to bring me an uncooked piece to impress upon me that the ribeye is a fatty cut of meat (I may not be totally knowledgeable about steak cuts but I do have some knowledge).  Of course I'm aware that the ribeye is well-marbled and fatty as it's my favourite cut.  Just that I felt this piece had a little too much fat (there was a huge piece of fat in the centre and also a connective strip of fat surrounding the meat) or maybe the cooking did not render down the fats enough as it was lacking that great sear.

He was also the same server who went on and on explaining about the marble score (to a couple seated next to us) when they enquired about the same Pinnacle Grass-Fed Ribeye I tried to order earlier.  Why he would do that when it wasn't available, I have no idea, and, in the end, that's what the couple decided to order and only then he told them it was not available...like what? >_<   On noticing that I was in conversation with the server, a more senior staff approached us to see if she could assist.  She immediately apologised for the fatty cut and said she can get the kitchen to fire up a new piece for me.  By then, I was already half way through my steak, so I thanked her for the gesture and I told her it wasn't necessary as I wouldn't be able to finish the new piece.

Our other next main, we chose a Surf & Turf combo of Angus Ribeye, Jumbo Shrimps & Baby Scallops @ RM105 that featured a 250g Angus ribeye, five jumbo shrimps and a dozen baby scallops.

The dish was complemented by the same delicious sides.  All the sides are refillable...and we loved them all, especially the sweetcorn, but we didn't need any refills as we couldn't even finish the ones on our plates. Because of the refillable sides (which I forgot all about actually), there's really no necessity to order any starters if you aren't a big-eater (and that would also help in making your meal here even more affordable).

From the looks itself, it was obvious that this piece of grain-fed ribeye achieved a better sear and because charring results in a deeper flavour, it ended up tasting much better than my piece.  It's also pretty obvious that this piece was less fatty.

The jumbo shrimps were sweet-tasting and true to its name in terms of size (understandably they look much smaller since these were totally de-shelled).  Appreciate that they were properly deveined too....and no complaints on the freshness.

But that can't be said of the baby scallops though.  They tasted of the frozen kind with a slight fishy taste (I can do without the baby scallops on the plate).  I'd probably add the word 'tiny' in front of baby scallops to truly describe the size...haha! :D

When we were done with our meal, we were presented with Spanish Churros @ RM26 (by the same male server earlier) and our initial thought was that he got it wrong.  I proceeded to tell him that we didn't order this.  He didn't mention that it was on the house.  It was at that instance that the senior female staff came over to tell us that the dessert was complimentary to make up for the earlier not-so-great cut of meat.  I thanked her for the gesture but told her she shouldn't have as we were so full we could barely eat another mouthful.

I don't want to sound ungrateful as it was a very nice gesture on their part but deep down I couldn't help but wished they had offered me a discount on the steak instead.  The fact that I was trying to refrain from eating sugary treats like this didn't help.  We had to summon all our strength to finish at least half of it, otherwise it wouldn't be very gracious of us.

The cinnamon sugar-dusted churros were served with vanilla ice-cream and a chocolate dip.  I shall refrain from giving my take on this complimentary dish as it'll be rather impolite of me to do so, don't you think? ;P

For drinks, we went with refreshing coolers of Berrylicious @ RM10.90 (a mix of wildberry & lemon) and Honey Twister (of honey & lemon) @ RM10.90 also (and realised when writing this that we had the same drinks the last time). >.<

I was in for a little surprise when we settled the bill as I found a 30% discount given on the steak I ordered. It was really nice of them to offer us both a discount and a free dessert to make up for the less-than-stellar piece of meat (which I wasn't expecting at all).  Thumbs up for their courteous and warm-hearted gesture! ;-)

My Personal Opinion

Even though this dining experience wasn't as solid as my previous visits, they're still in my good books for good and affordable steaks (I'm referring to non-Wagyu steaks, of course).  They have good maybe not-so-affordable lobsters (to some of us at least) but obviously reasonably-priced lobsters by market standards.

I applaud their effort of making sure the customer leaves with a positive dining experience instead of just being profit-focussed.  Not many restaurants are willing to do that these days when faced with a situation like this.  How can one stay disappointed after they give you a discount and a free dessert to make up for that little imperfection...I don't think anyone can.

If you're in the mood for steaks this Christmas, you're in luck as they're offering their wagyu cuts at 50% discount till the end of the year (but be prepared to pay more than RM150 even at half price)...shucks, I went too soon! ;P

Steaks & Lobsters
42 Jalan 24/70A
Desa Sri Hartamas
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 012-743 7167

Wishing everyone...

and a.....

It's the holiday season, so....enjoy, 

I'll see you in 2019

(where a small announcement is forthcoming) ^_~

How many ways can you eat potatoes?

Fresh off my last post on how many ways can you cook potatoes, here comes one on how many ways can you eat potatoes....and there are many...so many.

What is it about this high-carb food that is so irresistible?  Well, I don't know but I know I just love them...whatever colour, form or shape they come in...hihihi! ;) 

#1 - French Fries (as a Side Dish or Nibble on its own)


Probably the most popular of way of eating them would be as fries!  It's unlikely they're not on menus of most cafes and restaurants as they're a sought-after nibble or bar snack and goes well with any type of drinks.  It's unthinkable to even fathom the next three dishes not accompanied by fries! ^o^

#1.1 - Fish & Chips

#1.2 - Steak & Fries

#1.3 - Burger & Fries

These three are classic combinations and you rarely find one without the other.

#2 - Begedil


A favourite of mine when I see it at Malay rice stalls.  The mashed potato patties, studded with beef bits, are coated in egg before being deep-fried.  Love the frizzy, crisp egg bits on the outside and the soft potatoes within.

#3 - Mashed Potatoes (as an accompaniment to any protein)


It's very common to see proteins served on a bed of mashed potatoes as it makes a good base for your protein to sit on, don't you think?


Especially good with gravy and juices from your meat dripping into it...yum! ;)

#4 - Minced Pork (or Chicken) with Potatoes


This is a common dish cooked in many Chinese households.  Goes well with rice and adored by children.

#5 - Cottage or Shepherd's Pie


A savoury, meaty, classic comfort food of minced beef or lamb blanketed by a smooth, buttery mashed potato topping.  It's pretty easy to make in large quantities that can feed a lot of people.  Great for freezing too.

#6 - Fisherman's (or Fish) Pie


A variation of the meat pie, this one has a filling of fish chunks instead in a white sauce with a topping of creamy mash that's just as delish.

#7 - Chicken Curry & Potatoes


Potatoes in a chicken curry is a must-be-there ingredient.  Sometimes, they end up disappearing even faster than the chicken. ^_~

#8 - Baked Potato Skins


Baked potato skins stuffed with turkey bacon bits and cheese or minced steak chilli con carne (as the case here) is a favourite starter of my spouse when eating out.

#9- Tater Tots


These small cylindrical shaped potatoes are deep-fried till crisp on the outside.  Great as a starter or light bite.

#10 - Ikan Bilis, Kacang & Potatoes in Sambal


This dish of matchstick-sized potatoes with crisp ikan bilis and nuts fried in sambal is usually found in Malay rice stalls.  A favourite of my son, it's great with rice.

#11 - Potato Salad


Who doesn't love a good-old western-style potato salad dressed in mayo...usually perked up with added ingredients of hard-boiled eggs, bacon and chives.

#12 - Japanese Potato Salad

Or how about a Japanese version that's slightly tangy with thin slivers of cucumber and carrots mixed into it with a dash of vinegar?

#13 - Potato Dauphinoise (or Potato Au Gratin)


Potato slices baked in milk, cream, butter and/or cheese for a creamy, soft rendition with a wonderfully browned crust on top.

#14 - Potato Rosti & Latkes


A Swiss version of the classic potato pancake, rosti is made with grated or shredded potato formed into patties and pan-fried till crisp.  Topped with an egg, it's a popular breakfast food European style.  Latkes (a Jewish-style potato pancake if you will) are very similar, usually made with a binding ingredient such as egg.

#15 - Sweet Potato Tempura


A popular choice at Japanese restaurants are sweet potatoes with the lightest tempura batter fried to perfection to yield an enjoyable, crisp bite.

#16 - Potato Hash


These are cubed or diced potatoes that are pan-fried till golden brown, sometimes with onions, bell peppers, carrot and zucchini.  Topped with a fried egg, it turns into a hearty breakfast too.

#17 - Potato Soup


I have to say this is one of my least favourite ways to have potatoes.

#18 - Meatballs & Potatoes


Oven-baked (or pan-fried) potatoes and meatballs with gravy is another classic combination that screams comfort food.

#19 - Potato Gnocchi


Gnocchi are fluffy little pillows of deliciousness made with potato and flour.  Pan-seared to achieve the desired browning, they can be eaten on their own or served with a hearty sauce.

#20 - Sweet Potato Balls


Now, these sweet, golden deep-fried sweet potato balls are an absolutely yummy treat fresh out of the wok.  Wonderful as a tea time snack with coffee.

Of course there are still many other ways to eat potatoes (some I've not even heard of..like colcannon & totsagna) but, hey, I can only show you those that I have pics of (or those that I can find) in my archive!  So, what's your favourite way of having potatoes? ^_~